Becoming a new homeowner is a fun and exciting time for most, but many new owners make the mistake of not calculating less-obvious expenses, putting them in financial strain months down the road. Experts have listed a few expenses that all new homeowners should add into their budgets: Getting your locks changed- while this is…

It is always beneficial to make an effort to save money on your electricity bill without spending large up-front costs. Experts have compiled a list of simple, inexpensive methods to help lower your electricity bill: Make sure your house is sealed- sealing any cracks or spaces can help reduce energy costs by approximately 15-30%. Use…

According to the latest Census Bureau report, the number of homeowners age 50 and up has increased over the last 10 years, and is expected to continue growing as the economy strengthens. The report shows that from 1998-2001 47% of older Americans, age 50 and above, have mortgages. That number has increased 10% from the…

Fire safety officials are warning homeowners to be cautious while using fireworks around their homes and cars this 4th of July. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks caused 17,800 reported fires in the U.S. in 2011. Of those 17,800 fires, 1,200 were structural. Officials advise keeping young children away from all types of…

Keeping a pool clean and maintained does not have to be an overwhelming task. If you do weekly, monthly, and yearly maintenance, taking care of your pool should not be exhausting. A few tips experts have given to maintain your pool are: Clean out your filter daily to ensure it is working efficiently, and skim…

According to CoreLogic’s most recent home price index, home prices jumped last month, increasing 8.8% from May 2013, making it the 27th week the U.S. has experienced year-over-year home price increases. Although prices have grown, experts expect prices to moderate as inventory and demand remain below average. The president and CEO of CoreLogic, Anand Nallathambi…

According to the most recent Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, U.S. mortgage rates have decreased lower than rates in 2013. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged approximately 4.14% last week, down .03% from the previous week and .32% from last year. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.22%, down .28% from last year. Additionally the 5-year…

As the summer months progress, heating a home is the last thing on most minds, but it may be a good idea to start chimney maintenance now in order to get the most effective heat from your wood-burning fireplace during the winter. A few tips that will help you maintain a clean, high-functioning, and safe…

There are many things to consider for before buying a first home or moving into a new home. Experts have compiled a few tips that can help you be better prepared when buying a home: Take the time to mend or maintain your credit score, which largely determines the loan amount you qualify for. Order a…

According to the Black Knight Financial Services Foreclosure Report, foreclosure rates in the United States decreased last month. The foreclosure inventory rate dropped below 2%, the lowest rate seen since mid 2008. Mortgages currently in foreclosure are down 37% year-over-year, and have gradually decreased by more than half a million when compared to May 2013.…